Maundy Thursday

We begin this evening with the celebration of the Holy Communion with 3 special meanings.
First, it is where the Maundy, the anglicized version of the Latin Mandatum - is given, that new Commandment that we love one another as Jesus loves us. This is symbolized in the liturgy by The Rector washing the feet of the parishioners, in obedience to our Blessed Lord’s command to his Apostles (John 13:14-15).
Secondly, it is the this evening at the Apostle’s commemoration of the Passover Meal that Jesus institutes the Sacrament of the Holy Communion. Therefore the priest wears white vestments and we sing with gusto this evening since it is a High Feast.
Related to this, thirdly, it is also the night that our Lord institutes the Sacred Priesthood to the Apostles to carry on His sacramental ministry.
After the glory of the Liturgy, in commemoration of Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane after Supper, and the abandonment by the Apostles, we strip the Sanctuary and Altar bare as we solemnly recite Psalm 22.
My God, My God, why hast thou abandoned me…..
In about an hour we go from joyous celebration for the Mandatum, Communion, and Priesthood, to shock and horror at our Lord’s betrayal, arrest, and impending crucifixion!